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Designed by Helsinki-based Avanto Architects, the Four-Cornered Villa is an off-grid, sustainable retreat located on a remote horseshoe-shaped island near Virrat, Finland. Completed in 2010, the project was designed by the firm's partners, Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara, as their own holiday residence.
Concept and location
The 78 m² cabin is a minimalist retreat that provides a profound contrast to hectic city life, offering a chance to live simply with minimal environmental impact. The villa's cross-shaped plan is a deliberate design choice, with each of its four wings reaching out toward a distinct view of the surrounding landscape. This intentional layout ensures that the residents can enjoy three unique views of the lake and a forest view to the west. The orientation also allows for different light at various times of the day—morning light in the kitchen, midday sun in the dining area, and evening light in the living room.
The exterior is clad in a black-stained wood that helps the building to recede and blend into the dark forest, while the flat roof is a nod to modernist architectural clichés. The interior, by contrast, is kept bright with light-colored wood on the floors and walls, and it is finished with a white wood wax. The simple, functional furnishings enhance the home's rustic charm.
The main villa and a separate, 24 m² sauna building were built with a modest budget, aided by the ascetic, off-grid nature of the facilities.
The Four-Cornered Villa is a model of low-impact, sustainable living. The structure is heavily insulated and heated solely by wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, sourcing wood from the island's own forest. Covered terraces prevent overheating during the hot Finnish summers while allowing passive solar gain in the winter.
The cabin's minimal electricity needs are met by solar panels. The villa has no running water, with water sourced directly from the nearby Vaskivesi Lake. A vegetable and herb garden on-site provides food, and the lake offers fishing for pike-perch.
Project credits
Architects: Avanto Architects (Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara)
Photographers: Anders Portman and Martin Sommerschield
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About
Avanto Architects:
vanto Architects is a Helsinki based architecture agency founded in 2004. Avanto means “hole in the ice” and refers to the popular Finnish hobby of winter bathing. We want that our architecture is a powerful experience just like jumping to ice cold water. With our high quality architecture design, we have helped our clients create success stories and reach their goals in branding, visibility and even economically. Architecture by Avanto makes a difference. With partners from different disciplines worldwide, we create new type of places where design, sustainability and personal experience are the key elements.
